Technologies of care: fostering nature-relatedness and environmental practice through social-technological innovation
Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements
Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term
Application deadline: 27 May 2025
Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Start date: September 2025
For further details contact: Dr Alex Franklin
Introduction
This doctoral project explores how digital technology shapes human-nature relationships, examining its role in fostering (or inhibiting) nature-relatedness and pro-environmental behaviour. Grounded in political ecology and feminist care ethics, it aims to advance understanding of the varying potential for digital technology to consolidate or dissipate the human-nature divide.
Project details
This doctoral project investigates the ways in which digital technology mediates relationships between humans and nature. It critically examines the potential for digital technology to both consolidate and dissipate the human-nature divide, as well as the ways in which this is being addressed and utilised by digital innovators. Combining case-study based primary research and secondary data analysis the study will focus in particular on the societal uptake and impact of digital biodiversity tools which seek to combine social technology, participatory science and digital innovation. This includes exploring the extent to which such tools serve to enhance nature-relatedness within a range of contexts and with a diversity of user groups. In examining the capacity of digital technology to positively influence worldviews, values, norms, and practices related to biodiversity, the study will be conceptually informed by scholarship from the fields of political ecology, science and technology studies, and feminist care ethics. The research will contribute to developing innovative approaches for leveraging technology in ways that inspire just, meaningful and equitable connections to the natural world. Running alongside the Horizon Europe research project ‘DAISY’ (Digital, technological and social innovation for biodiversity and equity) the findings will also be used to inform the compilation of innovation mixes aimed at enabling more pro-environmental choices across a range of different contexts and scales.
For further information on the DAISY project (DigitAl, technologIcal and Social innovation mixes enabling transformation for biodiversity and equitY) visit here.
Funding
Tuition fees and bursary
Benefits
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS
- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
- A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).
How to apply
Please submit an initial expression of interest application where you will be asked to upload supporting documentation plus a 2,000 word personal statement explaining your motivation for applying for the doctoral position.
Successful applicants will be invited to complete the full application.
Please ensure the expression of interest is completed in plenty of time ahead of the application deadline.
Please contact for informal enquiries: Dr Alex Franklin
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